Film information communication apparatus, film information printing apparatus, information processing apparatus and index printer

ABSTRACT

A film information communication apparatus comprising a picture reading mechanism for reading information recorded in a photosensitive emulsion layer, in a photographic film including a photosensitive emulsion layer and a magnetic recording layer, a magnetic recording and reading mechanism for reading information recorded in the magnetic recording layer, a film information reading mechanism for reading information recorded in other portion of the film than the photosensitive emulsion layer and magnetic recording layer, and a communication control mechanism for outputting the information for printing read out by each reading mechanism. According to the communication apparatus of the present invention, even in the case of the existing printing apparatus incapable of reading the magnetic information on the film, photographic printing can be executed by communication of the printing information output from the communication apparatus, only by modifying the control board of the memory control device in the printing apparatus.

This is a divisional of application Ser. No. 08/403,951 filed Mar. 14,1995 now U.S. Pat. No. 5,703,701 now allowed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a film information communicationapparatus, a film information printing apparatus, an informationprocessing apparatus, and an index printer. More particularly, theinvention relates to a film information communication apparatus capableof reading photographic printing information from a photographic film inwhich photographic information is recorded, and transmitting theinformation to a photographic printing apparatus, or the like.

The invention also relates to a film information printing apparatus formainly reading film information, such as panorama size necessary forprinting, the information being recorded in each layer of a photographicfilm including a photosensitive emulsion layer and a magnetic recordinglayer, and printing on a recording paper; a film information printingapparatus for printing mainly a date and other information on a reverseside of a printed and developed paper; and an information processingapparatus for processing the information of the magnetic recordinglayer.

The invention further relates to an index printer for printing theinformation recorded in each layer of photographic film including aphotosensitive emulsion layer and a magnetic recording layer on areverse side of index print, or the like.

Recently, along with rapid the spread of cameras capable of takingpanorama size, photographs corresponding automated printing machines arein an urgent need. That is, since the film for photographs taken inpanorama size differs in the printing method, such as enlargementmagnification, from normal print, the handling of such film is differentfrom the film produced in normal print only, and it is necessary toclassify by asking the customers if panorama size photographs were takenor not. Customers are, however, not always certain as to whether theyhave taken pictures in panorama size, and in order to offer accuratedevelopment and printing services, all pictures must be initiallyprinted in service size, and thereafter checked to determine if panoramasize is included or not.

To save such labor, it is proposed to record, together with pictures,the relevant photographic information, such as panorama size, into thefilm when taking pictures. As the practical method, an opticallyreadable mark such as bar code, is printed in the film with a picture,or a magnetic recording layer is separately provided in the film. Insuch information recorded film, it is possible to automate printingcompletely, like in conventional film with only normal sized prints.

Moreover, when a magnetic recording layer is provided in the film, thequantity of recordable information is notably increased, so that notonly the printing information, such as panorama size, but also the dateof photographing, shutter speed, iris value, zoom value and otherphotographic information can be recorded.

However, a specific reading device is required for the information thusrecorded in the magnetic recording layer, and with wide distribution ofsuch photographic films, a new printing machine with an informationreading function must be purchased besides the conventional printingmachine. Such printing machine is expensive, and cannot be purchasedreadily, and hence, printing must be requested of another shop havingthe machine, which prevents a quick printing service, for example, tofinish in an hour.

Besides, if the information that can be recorded when taking picturescannot be read, it is not utilized effectively.

On the other hand, in a conventional index printer, a picture taken inthe photosensitive emulsion layer of the film is read by an imagereading mechanism, and pictures of one film are printed in one or pluralsheets to make the index print. At this time, frame number and otherinformation are printed on the surface of the index print together withthe pictures.

Recently, a film having a magnetic recording layer has been proposed,and in such magnetic recording layer, not only frame number and printformat (normal, panorama, or Hi-Vision size), but also characterinformation, such as place and date of photographing, and photographicinformation, such as shutter speed, iris value and zoom value, can berecorded. Therefore, when all information is printed on the surface ofthe index print by a thermal transfer printer, or the like, the numberof characters printed on the index print wherein a picture per frame issmall and hard to see becomes large, thereby making it more difficult toread.

In view of the above circumstances, it is hence an object of theinvention to provide a film information communication apparatus capableof reading the printing information recorded on a photographic film,sending the information to a printing apparatus and various printers,and enhancing the efficiency of picture printing and printing service.

It is another object to provide a film information printing apparatuscapable of reading and printing the information necessary for printingsuch a panorama size and service size, or other information, such asdate and photographic condition, desired to be written in the print, theinformation being preliminarily recorded in a photographic film. It isalso an object to provide an information processing apparatus capable ofediting the information written in the magnetic recording layer of thefilm.

It is a further object to provide an index printer capable of printingthe information preliminarily recorded on a photographic film on atleast the reverse side of an index print.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a filminformation communication apparatus comprising a picture readingmechanism for reading information recorded in a photosensitive emulsionlayer, in a photographic film including a photosensitive emulsion layerand a magnetic recording layer, a magnetic recording and readingmechanism for reading information recorded in the magnetic recordinglayer, a film information reading mechanism for reading informationrecorded in another portion of the film than the photosensitive emulsionlayer and magnetic recording layer, and a communication controlmechanism for outputting information for printing read out by eachreading mechanism.

It is preferred that printing correction information is written in thephotographic film by the magnetic recording and reading mechanism.

It is also preferred that the apparatus has a communication cable forcommunicating the printing information output from the communicationcontrol mechanism to outside.

It is further preferred to print out or display the printing informationor the index print information or back print information out of theprinting information.

In accordance with the present invention, there is also provided a filminformation printing apparatus comprising at least one of a mechanismfor reading optically readable information preliminarily recorded in aphotosensitive emulsion layer in a photographic film including aphotosensitive emulsion layer and a magnetic recording layer andmechanism for reading information preliminarily recorded in the magneticrecording medium; and a recording paper printing mechanism for printingthe recorded information read by the reading mechanism of the filminformation on a recording paper.

It is preferred that the apparatus further includes a display mechanismfor displaying the information read by the reading mechanism of filminformation, and it is still more preferred that the apparatus furtherincludes a picture reading mechanism for reading pictures taken in thephotosensitive emulsion layer, and an index print mechanism for printingpicture data read by the picture reading mechanism in one or pluralsheets.

It is moreover preferred that the apparatus includes a paper printingmechanism for printing information read by the reading mechanism of filminformation on the reverse side and/or surface of the printed anddeveloped paper. The apparatus preferably includes (a) a frame numberdetecting mechanism for detecting a film frame number preliminarilyprinted on a reverse side of a paper on which a picture is printed anddeveloped, and (b) a retrieval mechanism for retrieving information fromthe reading mechanism of film information according to the frame numberread by the frame number detecting mechanism, wherein the paper printingmechanism is designed to print the information retrieved by theretrieval mechanism on the reverse side and/or surface of the paper ofthe corresponding frame number.

In addition, it is preferred that the magnetic recording layer ofphotographic film is capable of receiving writing, and the apparatusincludes a writing mechanism and a keyboard for writing magneticrecording information. It is still more preferred that the magneticrecording layer is capable of receiving writing which is rewritable, andthe apparatus further includes an editing mechanism for editinginformation read by the reading mechanism of magnetic information.

In accordance with the present invention, there is further provided afilm information printing apparatus comprising at least one of amechanism for reading optically readable information preliminarilyrecorded in a photosensitive emulsion layer in a photographic filmincluding a photosensitive emulsion layer and a magnetic recording layerand mechanism for reading information preliminarily recorded in themagnetic recording medium; and a paper printing mechanism for printinginformation read by the reading mechanism of film information on areverse side and/or surface of a printed and developed paper.

It is preferred that the apparatus further includes (a) a frame numberdetecting mechanism for detecting a film frame number preliminarilyprinted on a reverse side of a paper on which a picture is printed anddeveloped, and (b) a retrieval mechanism for retrieving information fromthe reading mechanism of film information according to the frame numberread by the frame number detecting mechanism, and the paper printingmechanism is designed to print information retrieved by the retrievalmechanism on a reverse side and/or surface of a paper of a correspondingframe number.

It is preferred that the apparatus further includes a display mechanismfor displaying information read by the reading mechanism of filminformation, and it is still more preferred that the apparatus furtherincludes a picture reading mechanism for reading a picture taken in thephotosensitive emulsion layer, and an index print mechanism for printingpicture data read by the picture reading mechanism on one or pluralsheets.

In addition, it is preferred that the magnetic recording layer ofphotographic film can receive writing and the apparatus includes awriting mechanism and a keyboard for writing magnetic recordinginformation. It is still more preferred that the magnetic recordinglayer be such as can receive writing which is rewritable, and theapparatus further includes an editing mechanism for editing informationread by the reading mechanism of magnetic information.

In accordance with the present invention, there is still furtherprovided an information processing apparatus comprising: (a) a readingmechanism of magnetic information for reading information preliminarilyrecorded in a magnetic recording layer, in a photographic film includinga rewritable magnetic recording layer, (b) an editing mechanism forediting information read by the reading mechanism of magneticinformation, and (c) a writing mechanism for writing information editedby the editing mechanism.

In accordance with the present invention, there is moreover provided anindex printer comprising: (a) a picture reading mechanism for reading apicture taken in a photosensitive emulsion layer, in a film including aphotosensitive emulsion layer and a magnetic recording layer, (b) anindex print mechanism for printing picture data read by the picturereading mechanism on one or plural sheets, (c) a magnetic informationrecording mechanism for reading out information preliminarily recordedin the magnetic recording layer, and (d) a printing mechanism forprinting information read by the magnetic information reading mechanismon at least a reverse side of index print prepared by the index printmechanism.

It is also preferred that the index printer includes an opticalinformation reading mechanism for reading optically readable informationpreliminarily recorded in the photosensitive emulsion layer.

According to the film information communication apparatus of the presentinvention, various printing information being directly read from thephotographic film is transmitted to an existing printing apparatus tocarry out printing, and hence labor is saved in printing adjustment.Accordingly, the printing efficiency is enhanced.

Besides, by connecting with various printers and displays, services tothe customers can be enhanced.

In the film information printing apparatus of the present invention, thefilm information recorded in the photosensitive emulsion layer and/ormagnetic recording layer is read by the reading mechanism, and isprinted out on a recording paper by the recording paper printingmechanism. When the film information printing mechanism includes adisplay mechanism, the information can be shown also in the displaymechanism.

When the film information printing mechanism includes an index printmechanism, the index print can be also printed. When provided with apaper printing mechanism, the information can be also printed on thereverse side of the printed and developed paper (hereinafter referred toas the photograph). In that case, the film frame number preliminarilyprinted on the reverse side of the photograph is detected by the framenumber detecting mechanism, and the information of the correspondingfilm frame number is retrieved by a retrieval mechanism, so that theinformation can be printed on the reverse side of the photograph, or thelike.

When further furnished with a writing mechanism and keyboard,information can be newly written into the magnetic recording layer ofthe film. When provided with an editing mechanism, the information canbe edited.

The film information printing apparatus of the present invention canread the information recorded in the photosensitive emulsion layerand/or magnetic recording layer by the information reading mechanism,and print the information on the reverse side of the photograph, or thelike, by the paper printing mechanism. In that case, the film framenumber preliminarily printed on the reverse side of the photograph isdetected by the frame number detecting mechanism, and the information ofthe corresponding film frame number is retrieved by retrieval means, sothat the information is printed on the reverse side of the photograph,or the like. When provided with a display mechanism, the information canbe shown on the display mechanism. When provided with an index printmechanism, the index print can be printed. When provided with a writingmechanism and a keyboard, information can be newly written into themagnetic recording layer of the film. The information can be also editedwhen provided with an editing mechanism.

The information processing apparatus of the present invention reads therecorded information of the film by the magnetic information readingmechanism, edits the recorded information by the editing mechanism, andnewly writes the edited information into the magnetic recording layer bythe writing mechanism.

The index printer of the present invention reads the picture taken inthe photosensitive emulsion layer by the picture reading mechanism, andreads the information recorded in the magnetic recording layer by themagnetic information reading mechanism. The index print mechanism printsthe picture read by the image reading mechanism into one or pluralsheets, and the printing mechanism prints the information read by themagnetic information reading mechanism on at least the reverse side ofthe index print.

When furnished with an optical information reading mechanism, theinformation preliminarily recorded in the photosensitive emulsion layerof the film can be read, and the information can be also printed by theprinting mechanism.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a partially cut-away explanatory diagram showing an embodimentof a communication apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an operation explanatory diagram of the communicationapparatus in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of thecommunication apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing still another embodiment of thecommunication apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a photographicfilm including a photosensitive emulsion layer and a magnetic recordinglayer;

FIG. 6 is an external perspective view showing an embodiment of a filminformation printing apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective explanatory diagram showing an example of areading mechanism of film information in the present invention;

FIG. 8 is an explanatory side view of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a recordingpaper;

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of a recordingpaper;

FIG. 11 is an external perspective view showing another embodiment of afilm information printing apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of an example of information displayedin the display mechanism in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of another example displayed in thedisplay mechanism in FIG. 11;

FIG. 14 is an external perspective view showing still another embodimentof a film information printing apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a perspective explanatory diagram showing an example of areading mechanism of film information having a picture reading mechanismin the present invention;

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an index print;

FIG. 17 is an external perspective view showing yet still anotherembodiment of a film information printing apparatus of the presentinvention;

FIG. 18 is an explanatory side view showing a paper printing mechanismof the present invention;

FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of informationprinted on a reverse side of a photograph;

FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of informationprinted on a surface side of a photograph;

FIG. 21 is an external perspective view showing a further embodiment ofa film information printing apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 22 is a perspective explanatory diagram showing an example of areading mechanism of film information having a writing mechanism inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 23 is an external perspective view showing a still furtherembodiment of a film information printing apparatus of the presentinformation;

FIG. 24 is a control diagram of the film information printing apparatusin FIG. 23;

FIG. 25 is an external perspective view showing a further embodiment ofa film information printing apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 26 is an external perspective view showing an embodiment of aninformation processing apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 27 is an external perspective view showing an embodiment of anindex printer of the present invention;

FIG. 28 is a perspective explanatory diagram showing an internalconstitution of an index printer of the present invention;

FIG. 29 is an explanatory side view showing a printing mechanism in thepresent invention;

FIG. 30 is a print example on the surface side of the index print;

FIG. 31 is another print example on the surface side of the index print;

FIG. 32 is a print example on the reverse side of the index print;

FIG. 33 is another print example on the reverse side of the index printand;

FIG. 34 is a control diagram of an index printer of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the accompanying drawings, a film informationcommunication apparatus (hereinafter referred to communicationapparatus), a film information printing apparatus, an informationprocessing apparatus, and an index printer of the present invention aredescribed in detail below.

First, the communication apparatus is described.

As shown in FIG. 1, F denotes a photographic film (hereinafter referredto as film) including a photosensitive emulsion layer a and a magneticrecording layer b, which has been developed after taking a photograph. Acommunication apparatus 1 of the present invention comprises a picturereading mechanism 2 for reading the information recorded in thephotosensitive emulsion layer a, and a magnetic reading and recordingmechanism 3 for reading the information recorded in the magneticrecording layer b, a film information reading mechanism 4 for readingthe information recorded in such portion of the film other than thephotosensitive emulsion layer a and magnetic recording layer b, and acommunication control mechanism 5 for outputting information forprinting the photograph read out by each reading mechanism.

The film F is inserted from and an inlet 6 of the communicationapparatus 1, and is conveyed in the direction of arrow A shown inFIG. 1. This conveying mechanism is not particularly limited, and anyknown apparatus might be used, for example, a film conveying mechanismof an automatic negative mask comprising a conveying roller and a drivemotor or an automatic negative mask for 110 size film comprising aconveying arm and a drive motor might be used.

The picture reading mechanism 2 comprises a CCD camera 7 disposed abovea photosensitive emulsion layer a of a film F, and photometric lightsource 8 disposed below the CCD camera 7 for illuminating the film Ffrom below. The picture information projected from the photometric lightsource 8 is read by the CCD camera 7. As the picture reading apparatus2, aside from the CCD camera, a photomultiplier might be also used.

The magnetic recording and reading mechanism 3 comprises magnetic headdevice 9 disposed above the film F, and reads the information, such astype of light source, shutter speed, iris value, lens used, and positionof subject for photographic development recorded on the magneticrecording layer b of the film F by magnetism. Besides, a print size mark10, such as panorama, wide and service size recorded between pictures inthe film by a camera. The information is read by the CCD camera 7 in thepicture reading mechanism 2.

The film information reading means 4 comprises CCD cameras 11 disposedat both ends of the film F, and reads the film information, such as typeof film, frame number maker, and ISO sensitivity recorded on the film F.

The communication control mechanism 5 incorporates in a box 12 acommunication control board 13 composed of current rectifying elementsfrom various reading mechanisms, current amplifying elements, A/Dconverting elements, communication elements and CPU, and is coupled witheach reading mechanism. By the communication control board 13, theinformation read by each reading mechanism is processed as data forcommunication, and is transmitted to another device, such as theprinting device, through a communication cable 14.

The operation of the communication apparatus 1 of the present inventionis described below.

As shown in FIG. 2, the communication apparatus 1 is connected with theprinting device 15 through the communication cable 14, thereby theprinting system is set up.

First, while the film F inserted into the communication apparatus 1passes through the communication apparatus 1, the information recordedin the film F is read by the picture reading mechanism 2, the magneticrecording and recording mechanism 3, and the film information readingmechanism 4. The read information data is transmitted from thecommunication control mechanism 5 to the printing device 15, and is oncestored in a memory control device, not shown, incorporated in theprinting device 14.

The film F processed in the communication apparatus 1 is loaded into anexclusive negative mask 16 for photographic development, and the framenumber of the film F is input. The printing information corresponding tothe input frame number is picked up from the memory, and is shown in adisplay 17 of the printing device 15. The operator manipulates theprinting device 15 to print the photographs according to the propersetting values shown on the display 17, as for example printingmagnification factor suited to print size, such as panorama, wideservice size, and correction of printing light source depending on thedifference in the photographic light source. It is, hence, not necessaryto repeat complicated manipulations for searching proper set values, andthe printing efficiency is enhanced. Incidentally, the input of theframe number might be performed by reading the frame numberautomatically with a frame number detecting device provided in theexclusive negative mask 16. By this automatic input, the memory can bepicked up, and the printing device can be operated automatically toprint the photograph. As a result, the printing operation is furtherfacilitated.

In the printing process, although the printing information ispreliminarily read out from the film F, color correction might benecessary for printing again if the operator judges the color orcontrast of the developed photograph to be improper by sense. In thecase of such color correction, the film F is loaded again into thecommunication apparatus 1, and the information of color correction issent from the memory control device of the printing device 15 to thecommunication apparatus 1. Consequently, color correction information iswritten into the recorded portion of the magnetic information of thefilm F by the magnetic head device 9 of the magnetic recording andreading mechanism 3. The present invention is not limited to writing ofcolor correction information alone, but other correction information,such as print size of panorama, wide or service size and subjectposition can be also written.

Next, another embodiment of a communication apparatus of the presentinvention is described below.

As shown in FIG. 3, in a communication apparatus 21, unlike thecommunication apparatus 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the output of printinginformation is carried out by a printer 22 incorporated in thecommunication apparatus 21.

Applicable examples of printer 22 include, among others, dot impactprinter, ink jet printer, laser printer, and thermal printer. Thecommunication apparatus 21 and the printer 22 are operated by anoperation panel 23. The printing information of the film F produced fromthe communication control mechanism 5 of the communication apparatus 21is printed on an exclusive paper. When reading of the printinginformation is over, the film F completed of reading and the papercontaining the printing information are held by a clip 24, and sent to aprinting device which is not shown. Therefore, even in the case of aprinting device not capable of reading the magnetic recording of thefilm F, the photograph can be printed easily and accurately.

In the present embodiment, the printer 22 is built into thecommunication apparatus 21, but the present invention is notparticularly limited thereto, and it might be disposed outside thecommunication apparatus to achieve communication through a communicationcable.

A further embodiment of a communication apparatus of the presentinvention is described below.

As shown in FIG. 4, a communication apparatus 31 is designed tocommunicate with various printers, unlike the communication apparatusshown in FIG. 3.

Incidentally, the communication apparatus 31 might not necessarilyincorporate the printer in FIG. 3.

The communication apparatus 31 is connected to a thermal dye sublimationtransfer type printer 33 through a communication cable 32. Hence, theprinting information of the film F read by the communication apparatus31 is transmitted to the heat sublimate printer 33.

The thermal dye sublimation transfer type printer 33 makes an indexprint 34 according to the index information sent from the communicationapparatus 31. In this index print 34, frame pictures on the film F aresequentially printed on one print, and, therefore, only desired picturescan be ordered for development. The picture printing method in theembodiment is not limited to thermal dye sublimantion transfer methodalone, but there might be used other types, such as CRT, liquid crystaland other screen display.

The communication apparatus 31 is connected to a dot impact printer 35through the communication cable 32 so as to communicate therewith.

In the dot impact printer 35, a printed and developed photograph 36 isinstalled, and after the frame number is confirmed, the back printinformation sent from the communication apparatus 31 is printed. Theback print information includes the order number, frame number, exposuretime and iris value as printing information, light source correctionvalue, date, photo shop name, and others. With this information, sortingof developed photographs, film frame selection for extra printing, andsetting of printing information can be carried out efficiently.

Instead of directly printing the back print information on the printedand developed photograph, as mentioned above, the information might beonce printed on a seal sheet 38 mounted on a dot impact printer 37 forsheet, and a printed seal 38a might be adhered to the printed anddeveloped photograph. The printing method in the present embodiment isnot limited to dot impact system alone, but ink jet system, lasersystem, or thermal system might be similarly applied.

The communication apparatus 31 in the present embodiment is connectedwith various printers 33, 35, 37 through the communication cable 32, butthe invention is not limited to such arrangement alone, but thecommunication apparatus and the printer might be combined into one body.

The film information printing apparatus and information processingapparatus of the present invention are described below.

First, an example of a film to which the present invention is applied isdescribed with reference to FIG. 5. A film 101 includes a magneticrecording layer 104, aside from a conventional photosensitive emulsionlayer 103 on which a picture 102 is taken. On the photosensitiveemulsion layer 103, a bar code 110 has been printed in a factory whenmanufacturing the film, and optically readable marks 105, 106, 107, 108and 109 are printed together with the picture by the camera at the timeof photographing. On the magnetic recording layer 104, necessaryinformation is recorded by a writing mechanism installed in a filmfactory, developing laboratory or camera. The recorded informationincludes various information such as time of making film, takingphotograph, accepting at DPE shop, developing, printing, etc.

For example, the type of film, film ID and other information are writtenat a front end 111 of the film 101, and such general information of filmis recorded at a front end 112 in the magnetic recording layer 104, andthe photographic information of each picture 102 is recorded at a lowerportion 113 of the picture 102. The marks 105, 106, 107 are fordesignating the print format (to print in normal, panorama or Hi-Visionsize), and are printed by the camera by the selection of the operatorwhen photographing. The mark 108 specifies normal print, and the mark109 specifies panoramic print. In the bar code 110, the type of film,frame number and other information are written. A reference numeral 114on the picture 102 denotes the frame number.

Examples of information desired to be written into the film at the timeof manufacturing film, taking photograph, accepting at DPE shop,developing, and printing are listed below.

The information to be entered when manufacturing film includes the filmID, manufacturing lot number, film type (kind, ISO sensitity, number offrames, frame number, latitude), date of manufacture, and place ofmanufacture.

The information to be entered by the camera when taking photographincludes instructions relating to the print format (to print in normal,panarama, or Hi-Vision size), printing method and the like; characterinformation such as place, date and time of taking photograph, shutterspeed, iris value, lens used, zoom value, use of strobe, focal length,light source and other photographic circumstances; and back printinstruction and front print instruction specify to print suchinformation whether on the surface side or reverse side.

The information to be entered when accepting at DPE shop includes thename, telephone number and ID number of customer, date and time ofreception, finishing time (extra-rapid, rapid), date and time of finish,ID of dealer, instruction of dealer, print size, print margininstruction, service method (developing only, or developing andprinting), kind of print surface, number of prints, back printinstruction, front print instruction, etc.

The information to be entered at the time of developing and printingprocess includes the name of laboratory of developing and printing,print printer ID, date and time of printing, printed print data (printsize, number of prints, print correction information, extra printinginformation, etc.), comment, and others.

The film information printing apparatus of the present invention isavailable in a type mainly intended to print the print size and otherprinting information in the recording paper before printing and toutilize the information when printing, and a type mainly intended toprint the information, such as photographing time, on the reverse sideof a photograph. The information processing apparatus of the presentinvention is mainly intended to edit the magnetic information.

Referring first to FIG. 6 to FIG. 10, the film information printingapparatus of the type of mainly printing type printing information onthe recording paper is described below.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the appearance of an embodiment offilm information printing apparatus of the present invention. The filminformation printing apparatus 121 comprises a film information readingunit 122 and an information printing unit 123. The film informationreading unit 122 reads the information recorded in the photosensitiveemulsion layer 103 or magnetic recording layer 104. It is preferred toread the recorded information in both photosensitive emulsion layer 103and magnetic recording layer 104, but it might be designed to readeither one only from the viewpoint of the cost. The read information isprinted on the recording paper 115 by the information printing unit 123.Reference numeral 124 is a print mode changeover switch, 125 is a filminlet, and 126 is a film outlet.

FIG. 7 shows an example of film information reading mechanism 131capable of reading recorded information of both photosensitive emulsionlayer 103 and magnetic recording layer 104, which is disposed inside thefilm information reading unit 122 in FIG. 6. Reference numeral 132 is amagnetic head for reading the record in the magnetic recording layer104, and 133 to 136 are sensors or light emitting diodes for reading therecord in the photosensitive emulsion layer 103. That is, referencenumerals 133 and 134 are respectively format sensor and first lightemitting diode for reading marks 105 to 107 recording respective printsizes, and 135 and 136 are respectively bar code sensor and second lightemitting diodes for reading bar code 110. The sensors 133, 135 and lightemitting diodes 134, 136 are provided at positions for supplying orreceiving the light across the film 101 as shown in FIG. 8. When thelight is shielded by the mark 105 and 107 and bar code 110, the sensors133, 135 detect such shielding of light. Reference numeral 137 is aperforation, which is used for positioning the screen when photographingwith a camera.

Reference numerals 138 to 140 are film conveying mechanisms, and whenthe film 101 is inserted into the film inlet 125 shown in FIG. 6, a filmdetection sensor 138 detects the film 101 to rotate a motor 139, and thefilm 101 is conveyed by a film feed roller 140, and the film 101 is sentout into the film outlet 126 shown in FIG. 6.

The recorded information in the magnetic recording layer 104 isconverted into electric signals by being passed through the magnetichead 132, and transmitted to a control unit described later. Theoptically readable information detected by the sensors 133, 135 issimilarly converted into electric signals, and is also transmitted to acontrol unit. In the information printing unit 123, the information isprinted in a print mode selected by the print mode changeover switch124. As the recording paper printing mechanism for composing theinformation printing unit 123, dot impact printing using ink ribbon, inkjet printing, laser printing, or thermal printing might be employed.

FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 show examples of information recorded in therecording paper 115. The left side 141 shown in FIG. 9 indicates theinformation of the entire film, and the succeeding right side 142indicates the information of each picture 102. The information of theentire film includes the film ID, ISO or other print type, customerinformation, type of camera used, requirement of index print, servicemethod such as simultaneous print and extra print, inclusion of panoramasize, etc., and the information of each picture 102 includes the framenumber, number of prints, print size, place of photographing,photographic situation, and other information.

In FIG. 10, the top 143 shows the recorded information of the entirefilm 101, such as film ID and film type, and the bottom 144 denotes therecorded information of each picture. For example, N stands for normalprint, P for panorama print, and H for Hi-Vision print. Whether theinformation to be recorded in the recording paper 115 is expressed asshown in FIG. 9 or as shown in FIG. 10 might be selected by the printmode changeover switch 124.

FIG. 11 shows still another embodiment of the film information printingapparatus of the present invention. The film information printingapparatus 161 in FIG. 1 is realized by attaching a monitor 162 asdisplay mechanism to the film information printing apparatus 121 in FIG.6. The monitor 162 displays the information as shown in FIG. 12 or FIG.13. Besides, a display mode changeover switch 163 and a scroll switch164 are provided to change over the display mode or scroll theinformation of each picture.

FIG. 12 shows an example of recorded information displayed in themonitor 162. In a frame 165, the information of the entire film isshown, and the information of each screen in its lower part 166 can bescrolled by the scroll switch 164. FIG. 13 shows other display mode. Thedisplay modes are changed over the display mode changeover switch 163.

As the monitor 162, a liquid crystal device or CRT can be used.

A yet further embodiment of the film information printing apparatusrealized by providing the film information printing apparatus 161 inFIG. 11 with an index print mechanism is explained below with referenceto FIG. 14. Incidentally, it is also possible to install an index printmechanism in the film information printing apparatus 121 shown in FIG. 6which does not incorporate the display mechanism (monitor 162).

In FIG. 14, as the index printer 172 to be provided in the filminformation printing apparatus 171, a printer of thermal dye siblimationtransfer method is preferred from the viewpoint of picture quality andsize, but this is not absolute and printers of ink jet type or dryprocess silver halide photography might be also employed. Referencenumeral 173 is an index print.

Referring to FIG. 15, the inside of the film information printingapparatus 171 is described. What differs from the apparatus in FIG. 7and FIG. 8 is that a lamp 174, a lens 175, and a line CCD 176 forcomposing a picture reading mechanism 177 are provided in the filminformation reading mechanism 131. The picture 102 on the film 101 isread by the line CCD 176, and the read picture data is printed on one orplural sheets. At this time it is also possible to print together withthe information read by the film information reading mechanism 131.

FIG. 16 shows an example of a thus made index print 173. In the upperpart 178 of the index print 173, a part of the recorded informationreading the information of the entire film and others is printed. Eachpicture can be printed out in a suited print format on the basis of therecorded information read. For example, reference numeral 179 indicatesa panoramic size photograph, and 180 is a Hi-Vision size photograph.Thus, in the film information printing apparatus 171 provided with anindex printer 172, not only the picture but also a part of recordedinformation converted into characters can be printed on the index print173.

FIGS. 17 to 20 relate to another embodiment of the film informationprinting apparatus of the present invention realized by providing thefilm information printing apparatus 161 in FIG. 11 with a paper printingmechanism. It is also possible to incorporate the paper printingmechanism in the film information printing apparatus 121 shown in FIG. 6without display mechanism (monitor 162). Further, the paper printingmechanism can be also incorporated in the film information printingmechanism 171 having the index print mechanism shown in FIG. 14.

In FIG. 17, the film information printing apparatus 181 includes a paperprinting unit 182. Reference numeral 183 shows a photograph beforeprinting, and 184 denotes a photograph after printing.

The constitution of the paper printing unit 182 is described based onFIG. 18. In printing, dot impact printing using an ink ribbon or thelike might be employed. Reference numeral 187 show an ink ribbon, and188 is a printing head for printing on the surface side of a photograph,and 189 is a printing head for printing on the reverse side of aphotograph. Either one of the printing heads 188, 189 might be provided.When printing on the surface side of the photograph, a white margin isneeded, so that it is preferred to use the printing head 189 forprinting on the reverse side of the photograph. Reference numeral 190 isa paper feed roller, and 191 is a paper guide.

The manipulating method of the paper printing unit 182 is describedbelow. First, the photograph to be printed and its film are prepared,and the film 101 is inserted into the film inlet 185. Then, the recordedinformation on the film 101 is read, and the information is stored inthe memory. Next, by referring to the frame number 193 (refer to FIG.19) printed on the reverse side of the photograph by the printingapparatus, photographs are inserted into a photograph inlet one by onefrom the smallest frame number, and the stored information is read outfrom the memory from the smallest frame number, and printed on thereverse side, surface or both sides of the inserted photographs.

In the case of the film information printing apparatus 181 having themonitor 162, the frame number desired to be printed is read out in theminotor 162, and the photograph of the displayed frame number might beinserted into the photograph inlet 186 to be printed.

In the film information printing apparatus 181 of the present invention,moreover, by incorporating a frame number detection sensor 192 shown inFIG. 18 and a retrieval mechanism (not shown), the information necessaryfor the desired photograph can be printed more easily. That is, withouthaving to insert a photograph into the photograph inlet 186 from thesmallest frame number, the frame number detection sensor 192 reads theframe number 193, and the retrieval mechanism searches the informationof that number, thereby the corresponding information is printed on thephotograph.

FIG. 19 and FIG. 20 show examples of information printed by the paperprinting mechanism. FIG. 19 shows the reverse side of a photograph, andFIG. 20 shows the surface side. In the lower part of the reverse side ofthe photograph, the frame number 193 is printed by a printing apparatusby a conventional method. In the upper part, date of photographing,character information, and photographic conditions are printed by thepaper printing mechanism. As shown in FIG. 20, date of photographingmight be printed below the picture of the surface side of thephotograph.

A still further embodiment of the film information printing apparatus ofthe present invention is described with reference to FIGS. 21 and 22.This film information printing apparatus 1101 is realized by providingthe film information printing mechanism 161 in FIG. 11 with a keyboard1102 and a writing mechanism (refer to FIG. 22). It is also possible toincorporate the keyboard 1102 and writing mechanism (refer to FIG. 22)in the film information printing apparatus 121 shown in FIG. 6) withoutdisplay mechanism (monitor 162), or it is further possible toincorporate the keyboard 1102 and writing mechanism (see FIG. 22) in thefilm information printing apparatus 171 with index printer 172 in FIG.14, or in the film information printing apparatus 181 with paperprinting unit 182 in FIG. 17. In FIG. 23, the keyboard 1102 and writingmechanism (refer to FIG. 22) are incorporated in the film informationprinting apparatus 181 in FIG. 17.

As shown in FIG. 22, the film information printing apparatus 1101 inFIG. 21 includes a magnetic head 1103 for writing, aside from themagnetic head 132 for reading (refer to FIG. 7). The key-inputinformation through the keyboard 1102 is transmitted to a control unitdescribed later to be converted into magnetic information, and thenwritten into the magnetic recording layer 104 of the film 101 by themagnetic head 1103 for writing.

Besides, by reading the magnetic recording information by the readingmechanism 131, the information can be displayed in the monitor 162 andedited by the keyboard 1102. The edited information is written into themagnetic recording layer 104 of the film 101.

Such editing is convenient in the case where the print formatinformation initially entered at photographing with a camera, such aspanorama size, is changed in order to print in normal size, or the like,or in the case where the information desired to be printed on thereverse side of the photograph is newly added or corrected.

A film information printing apparatus 1111 in FIG. 23 comprises a filminformation reading unit 122, an information print unit 123, a paperprinting unit 182, an index printer 172, and a keyboard 1102. Inside ofthe film information reading unit 122 are provided, as shown in FIG. 24,with a film information reading mechanism 131, a magnetic head 1103 forwriting as film information writing mechanism, and a picture readingmechanism 177. The information of these mechanism is transmitted to acontrol unit, and instructions are directed to the paper printing unit182, information printing unit 123, and index printer 172 through thecontrol unit.

Meanwhile, the film information printing apparatus of the presentinvention might be provided with the element for printing theinformation on the recording paper as mentioned above (informationprinting unit 123). A film information printing apparatus 1112 in FIG.25 comprises a monitor 162 as display mechanism, an information readingunit 122, a paper printing unit 182, and/or an index printer 172. Inthis case, with respect to information necessary for printing, the indexprint is first prepared, and the panorama size, or the like can bejudged based on the index print. It is also possible to know suchinformation by the monitor 162.

FIG. 26 is a perspective explanatory diagram showing an embodiment of aninformation processing apparatus of the present invention. Inside theinformation processing apparatus 1113 are provided, as shown in FIG. 22,an information reading mechanism 131, a magnetic head 1103 for writingas film information writing mechanism, and a picture reading mechanism117. While observing the monitor 162, the information is edited on thekeyboard 1102.

In the last place, an index printer of the invention is described below.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view showing the appearance of an embodiment ofthe index printer of the present invention. This index printer 221includes a reading unit 222 and a printer unit 223. The reading unit 222comprises a picture reading mechanism and an optical information readingmechanism for reading the picture 102 recorded in the photosensitiveemulsion layer 103 of the film 101 shown in FIG. 5 and the information105 to 110 recorded to be readable optically, respectively, and amagnetic information reading mechanism for reading the informationrecorded in the magnetic recording layer 104. It is preferred toincorporate both optical information reading mechanism and magneticinformation reading mechanism so as to read the recorded information inboth photosensitive emulsion layer 103 and magnetic recording layer 104,but it might be also preferred to read either one from the viewpoint ofcost. The read picture and information are laid out by the control unitdescribed later, and printed out on the surface side and reverse side ofthe paper by the printer unit 223. Reference numeral 225 is a filminlet, 226 is a film outlet, 227 is a monitor, 228 is a display modechangeover switch, 229 is a print mode changeover switch, and 230 is anindex print mode changeover switch.

Referring to FIG. 28, the internal structure of the reading unit 222 isdescribed below. Reference numeral 231 is a magnetic head for readingthe record of the magnetic recording layer 104 (magnetic informationreading mechanism), while a sensor 232 and a light emitting diode 233for reading the record of the photosensitive emulsion layer 103 composean optical information recording mechanism 234. The picture readingmechanism 235 is composed of a lamp 236, a lens 237, and a line CCD 238.The picture 102 on the film 101 is read by the line CCD 238.

Reference numerals 241 to 243 are film conveying mechanisms, and whenthe film 101 is inserted into the film inlet 225 shown in FIG. 27, thefilm detection sensor 241 detects the film 101 to put the motor 242 intorotation. The film 101 is conveyed by the film feed roller 243, and thensent out into the film outlet 226 shown in FIG. 27.

The recorded information in the magnetic recording layer 104 isconverted into electric signals by being passed through the magnetichead 231, and transmitted to a control unit mentioned later. Theoptically readable information detected by the sensor 232 is alsoconverted into electric signals to be transmitted to the control unit.

The internal structure of the printer unit 223 is described below withreference to FIG. 29. As the index printer of the present invention, itis preferred to print the surface side including the picture by thermaldye sublimation transfer method, and print the character information tobe printed on the reverse side by dot impact method. The presentinvention is not, however, limited thereto, and the surface sideincluding the picture might be printed by ink jet method or dry processsilver halide photography.

The printer 223 in FIG. 29 prints the surface side including the pictureby the thermal dye sublimation transfer print head 251 and thermal dyesublimation transfer ink ribbon 252, and prints the reverse side by theprinting head 253 and printing ink ribbon 254. Reference numeral 255denotes the paper before printing, 256 is a paper feed roller, and 257is a paper guide. In particular, by installing the printing head 253 andprinting ink ribbon 254, massive information can be printed on thereverse side, aside from the picture.

A practical example of the index capable of printing by the indexprinter of the present invention described below with reference to FIGS.30 to 33.

In FIG. 30 and FIG. 31, the picture is properly disposed and printed atthe surface side of the index print. In FIG. 30, the shutter speed, irisvalue, and date and time of photographing are printed beneath thepicture, and FIG. 31 is laid out so that the picture appears in fullsize, being accompanied only by the frame number. Whether the surfaceside is as shown in FIG. 30 or in FIG. 31 is changed over by the indexprint mode changeover switch 230.

FIG. 32 and FIG. 33 show the reverse side of the index print, in whichcharacter information is printed. In FIG. 32, the character informationis printed in the frame partitioned in the same layout as in the surfaceside of the index print shown in FIG. 30 and FIG. 31, and FIG. 33 showsprinting of character information in the sequence of frame numbers.Whether the reverse side is as shown in FIG. 32 or in FIG. 33 is changedover the print mode changeover switch 229.

The index printer 221 of the present invention might include a monitor227, and a display mode changeover switch 228 for changing over thedisplay of the minotor 227, thereby the picture and characterinformation read by the reading unit 222 and laid out by the controlunit can be displayed on the monitor 227 and confirmed.

FIG. 34 is a control diagram of the index printer of the presentinvention.

From the film 101, pictures of plural frames of the film 101 are read bythe line CCD 238, and the pictures of plural frames are printed in oneor plural sheets on the basis of the read picture date and read recordedinformation, and thus the index print 224 is prepared. The index print224 is properly laid out in the control unit depending on the number ofread pictures 102 and the size and the size of paper 255 to be printed.

The memory stores examples of print layout depending on the number ofpictures 102 and size of the paper 255, and it is preferred that thelayout and character information displayed on the monitor can beproperly changed through the keyboard. By the keyboard, or the like,moreover, the printing character size can be properly instructeddepending on the quantity of information to be printed on the reverseside.

Besides, only the picture might be printed on the surface side whileprinting various kinds of film information only on the reverse side ofthe index print. In this case, a wider space is preserved for thepicture. In the present specification, the expression "at least on thereverse side" means both the case of printing on the reverse side onlyand the case of partly printing also on the surface side.

As described so far, according to the communication apparatus of thepresent invention, even in the existing printing apparatus incapable ofreading the magnetic information on the film, photographic printing canbe executed by communication of the printing information output from thecommunication apparatus, only by modifying the control board of thememory control device in the printing apparatus.

Besides, since the information output from the communication apparatuscan be also printed, photographic printing can be executed in theexisting printing apparatus without modifying.

Since photographic printing is executed on the basis of the printinginformation recorded in the magnetic film, it requires no labor inadjustment of printing, and the photographic printing efficiency issuperior.

By connecting with various printers and displays, for example, thescreen can be confirmed by observing the index printer, and onlynecessary pictures can be enlarged or printed, so that the commercialservice can be enhanced.

The film information printing apparatus of the present invention is toread out the information recorded in the photosensitive emulsion layerand/or magnetic recording layer of the film. Such function is notprovided in the conventional printing machine, and therefore with theapparatus of the invention, it is possible to cope with the film of newtype capable of recording such information, readily with a minimum cost.

In the index printer of the present invention, since massive informationrecorded in the magnetic recording layer and others of the film can beprinted on the reverse side of the index print, the frame picture on thesurface side can be shown in a wide area. Moreover, since the space ofthe reverse side can be widely utilized, it is possible to print inlarge characters, so that it is easy to read the characters.

What we claim is:
 1. A film information communication apparatus for usewith a photograph-printing apparatus comprising:a picture readingmechanism for reading information recorded in a photosensitive emulsionlayer associated with each frame in a developed photographic film havinga photosensitive emulsion layer and a magnetic recording layer; amagnetic recording and reading mechanism for reading informationrecorded in the magnetic recording layer of said developed photographicfilm; a film information reading mechanism for reading information,associated with each respective film frame, recorded in a portion of thefilm other than the photosensitive emulsion layer and the magneticrecording layer, respectively; a communication control device forreceiving the information read by each said reading mechanism withrespect to each respective film frame and outputting said information; aprinter in said photograph-printing apparatus operative to printinformation produced by the communication control device; saidmechanisms and said communication control device being disposedseparately from said photograph-printing apparatus and from each otherand being operative to convey photograph-printing information to saidprinter; and a communication cable operative to convey said photographprinting information between said communication control device, saidmechanisms and said printer.
 2. The film information communicationapparatus of claim 1, wherein the magnetic recording and readingmechanism writes printing correction information in the developedphotographic film.
 3. The film information communication apparatus ofclaim 1, including a display operative to show index print informationfrom the printing information.
 4. The film information communicationapparatus of any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the printer outputsindex print information from the printing information.
 5. The filminformation communication apparatus of any one of claims 1 and 2,including a display for showing index print information out of theprinting information.
 6. The film information communication apparatus ofany one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the printer prints out back printinformation from the printing information.
 7. The film informationcommunication apparatus of claim 6, wherein the back print informationis printed on an adhesive sheet.
 8. A film information printingapparatus for use with a photograph-printing apparatus comprising:atleast one of a mechanism for reading optically readable informationpreliminarily recorded in a photosensitive emulsion layer in a developedphotographic film including a photosensitive emulsion layer and amagnetic recording layer and a mechanism for reading informationpreliminarily recorded in the magnetic recording medium; a recordingpaper printing mechanism for printing the recording information read bythe reading mechanism of the film information on a recording paper, saidmechanisms being disposed separately from said photograph-printingapparatus and being operative to convey photograph-printing informationreceived to a separate communication control device; and a communicationcable operative to convey printing information from said communicationcontrol device to said photographic-printing apparatus.
 9. The filminformation printing apparatus of claim 8, wherein the apparatus furtherincludes a display mechanism for displaying the information read by thereading mechanism of film information.
 10. The film information printingapparatus of any one of claims 8 and 9, wherein the apparatus furtherincludes a paper printing mechanism for printing information read by thereading mechanism of film information on the reverse side and/or surfaceof the printed and developed paper.
 11. The film information printingapparatus of claim 10, wherein the magnetic recording layer of saiddeveloped photographic film is writable, and the apparatus includes awriting mechanism and a keyboard for writing magnetic recordinginformation on said developed photographic film.
 12. The filminformation printing apparatus of any one of claims 8 and 9, wherein theapparatus further includes a picture reading mechanism for readingpictures taken in the photosensitive emulsion layer of said developedphotographic film, and an index print mechanism for printing picturedata read by the picture reading mechanism in one or plural sheets. 13.The film information printing apparatus of claim 12, wherein theapparatus further includes a paper printing mechanism for printinginformation read by the reading mechanism of the film information on thereverse side and/or surface of the printed developed paper.
 14. The filminformation printing apparatus of claim 12, wherein the magneticrecording layer of said developed photographic film is writable, and theapparatus includes a writing mechanism and a keyboard for writingmagnetic recording information on said developed photographic film.